A Democratic Michigan state lawmaker said she sterilized herself to avoid getting pregnant in President Donald Trump‘s America.
Michigan state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky announced the decision to have the medical procedure on Wednesday during a protest at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan.
“Just under two weeks ago, I underwent surgery to ensure that I would never have to navigate a pregnancy in Donald Trump’s America,” Pohutsky said. “I refuse to let my body be treated as currency by an administration that only sees value in my ability to procreate.”
There is no record of public knowledge of Trump saying the only value he sees in women is their ability to have children.
“If you know people who are questioning how serious this is, I’m going to repeat myself: A sitting government official opted for voluntary sterilization because she was uncertain she would be able to access contraception in the future,” Pohutsky explained.
There is nothing valid to suggest Trump is eliminating access to contraception or that he would have any constitutional authority to do so.
Pohutsky was elected to represent Michigan’s 17th District in 2022. She was the state representative from Michigan’s 19th District, first winning election in 2018. She is the Progressive Women’s Caucus chairwoman for Michigan and is serving her fourth term in office.
Pohutsky is a proponent of abortion. Recently, she made comments recognizing the 52nd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which made abortion legal in the country. That case was overturned in June 2022 with the court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
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“Today, we recognize the continued need to raise our voices and stand up for all people, their right to privacy and bodily autonomy,” Pohutsky said on Jan. 22. “As a lawmaker, I am dedicated to ensuring all people have access to abortion and can make their own decisions about when, how, and if they start a family. With the new administration in the White House and Michigan GOP leadership in Lansing, rest assured that I will stand with you and for you against any attacks on your rights.”
“We must build a better future, and today reminds us that justice can prevail when we fight tirelessly for it,” she added. “It also reminds us that we cannot falter even in the face of adversity and authoritarianism.”
